Constant voltage constant current controller and control method thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a constant voltage constant current (CVCC) controller, and associated control methods. In one embodiment, a CVCC controller for a flyback converter can include: (i) a current controller configured to generate an error signal by comparing an output current feedback signal against a reference current; (ii) a voltage controller configured to receive an output voltage feedback signal and a reference voltage, and to generate a control signal; (iii) a selector configured to control the flyback converter to operate in a first or a second operation mode based on the control signal, and to further generate a constant voltage or a constant current control signal based on the error signal; and (iv) a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller configured to generate a PWM control signal to control a main switch, and to maintain the output voltage and/or current of the flyback converter as substantially constant.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of the following application, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/750,622, filed on Jan. 25, 2013, nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,917,528, and which is hereby incorporated byreference as if it is set forth in full in this specification, and whichalso claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No.201210047752.4, filed on Feb. 28, 2012, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of switch mode power supply(SMPS), and more specifically to a constant voltage constant current(CVCC) controller, and associated control methods.

BACKGROUND

With rapid development in the power supply industry, applications ofconstant voltage (CV) and/or constant current (CC) switch mode powersupplies have increased. Consequently, requirements for CV and/or CCcontrollers have increased, and power supply manufactures are targetingpower supplies with high performance, small volume, and low productcosts. As shown in FIG. 1, an example of a conventional secondarycontrolled CVCC controller for a flyback converter can regulate anoutput voltage and an output current through sampling resistors, opticalcoupler 101, and secondary-side feedback controller 102. Samplingresistors can be used to sense output voltage or current, and generate afeedback signal. Optical coupler 101 can be used to transfer thefeedback signal to secondary-side feedback controller 102, andsecond-side feedback controller 102 can be used to control switch QM. Inthis way, the output voltage and output current can be regulated assubstantially constant. However, drawbacks of this approach include highpower losses and high product costs, due to feedback components for thesecondary-side feedback controller and an optical coupler to transferthe feedback signal.

FIG. 2 shows an example primary controlled CVCC controller for a flybackconverter. This flyback converter can include primary winding N_(p),secondary winding N_(s), auxiliary winding N_(T), main switch QM,current sense resistor R_(s), dividing resistors R₁₁ and R₂₂, andcontroller 201. Auxiliary winding N_(T) can be used to obtain outputvoltage information, dividing resistors R₁₁ and R₂₂ can be used todivide the output voltage information and generate secondary outputvoltage feedback signal V_(FB), and current sense resistor R_(s) can beused to detect primary current I_(s) and generate secondary outputcurrent feedback signal I_(FB). Controller 201 can be used to receiveoutput voltage feedback signal V_(FB) and output current feedback signalI_(FB) to control a duty cycle of switching signal of main switch QM. Asa result, CVCC on the secondary-side can be achieved.

Though the volume and product costs of the example CVCC controller ofFIG. 2 can be reduced, other drawbacks remain. For example, duringoperation of the flyback converter, when the current flowing throughsecondary winding N_(s) is reduced to about zero, an induced voltage onsecondary winding N_(T) may be significantly decreased, and as a resultsecondary output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) may not follow variationof the output voltage precisely to yield a large deviation. In thisapproach, the system may not be precisely controlled. In addition,implementation of the controller may be relatively complicated with alarge number of circuit components, because a constant voltage controlloop and a constant current control loop controlled by an externalcompensating circuit may be included.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a constant voltage constant current (CVCC) controllerfor a flyback converter can include: (i) a current controller configuredto generate an error signal by calculating the difference between anoutput current feedback signal and a reference current; (ii) a voltagecontroller configured to receive an output voltage feedback signal and areference voltage, and to generate a control signal; (iii) a selectorcoupled to the current controller and the voltage controller, andconfigured to receive the error signal and the control signal, and tocontrol the flyback converter to operate in a first operation mode or asecond operation mode based on the control signal, where when theflyback converter is operating in the first operation mode, the selectoris configured to generate a constant voltage control signal based on theerror signal, and where when the flyback converter is operating in thesecond operation mode, the selector is configured to generate a constantcurrent control signal based on the error signal; and (iv) a pulse-widthmodulation (PWM) controller configured to generate a PWM control signalto control a main switch, where when the flyback converter is operatingin the first operation mode, the PWM controller is configured togenerate a constant voltage signal based on the constant voltage controlsignal to maintain an output voltage of the flyback converter assubstantially constant, and where when the flyback converter isoperating in the second operation mode, the PWM controller is configuredto generate a constant current signal based on the constant currentcontrol signal to maintain an output current of the flyback converter assubstantially constant.

In one embodiment, a CVCC control method for a flyback converter, caninclude: (i) calculating a difference between an output current feedbacksignal and a reference current to generate an error signal; (ii)comparing an output voltage feedback signal and a reference voltage togenerate a control signal; (iii) controlling the flyback converter tooperate in a first operation mode or a second operation mode based onthe control signal; (iv) generating a constant voltage control signalbased on the error signal, and generating a PWM control signal based onthe constant voltage control signal to control a switching duty cycle ofa main switch, to maintain an output voltage of the flyback converter assubstantially constant when the flyback converter is operating in thefirst operation mode; and (v) generating a constant current controlsignal based on the error signal, and generating the PWM control signalbased on the constant current control signal to control the switchingduty cycle of the main switch, to maintain an output current of theflyback converter as substantially constant when the flyback converteris operating in the second operation mode.

Embodiments of the present invention can advantageously provide severaladvantages over conventional approaches. For example, a CVCC controllercan set a flyback converter to operate in a first operation mode or asecond operation mode through a selector to realize constant voltagecontrol or constant current control. The CVCC controller can alsoimprove the transient response speed by setting a discharging current inproportion to the output voltage feedback signal. Also, the CVCCcontroller can generate an output voltage feedback signal and an outputcurrent feedback signal more precisely than conventional approaches byusing a voltage feedback circuit and a current feedback circuit. Otheradvantages of the present invention may become readily apparent from thedetailed description of preferred embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example conventional secondarycontrolled CVCC controller for a flyback converter.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example conventional primarycontrolled CVCC controller for a flyback converter.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a first example CVCC controller inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a second example CVCC controller inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a third example CVCC controller inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of an example voltage feedback circuit ofthe CVCC controller in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6B is a waveform diagram of the voltage feedback circuit shown inFIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of an example current feedback circuit ofthe CVCC controller in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7B is a waveform diagram of the current feedback circuit shown inFIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example timer of the CVCC controllerin accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an example CVCC control method in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference may now be made in detail to particular embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention may be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it may be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of the present invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it may be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, processes, components, structures, and circuitshave not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscureaspects of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a schematic diagram of a first exampleconstant voltage constant current (CVCC) controller in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. For example, such a CVCCcontroller can be used in a flyback converter. Of course, CVCCcontrollers as described herein can also be utilized in other types ofconverters or power regulators. A flyback converter can include a powerstage circuit, where the power stage can include primary winding N_(p),secondary winding N_(s), auxiliary winding N_(T), main switch QM,current sense resistor R_(s), and dividing resistors R₁₁ and R₁₂. Inthis example, the CVCC controller can be used to receive output voltagefeedback signal V_(FB) and output current feedback signal I_(FB), and togenerate a constant voltage/constant current control signal to regulatea switching duty cycle of main switch QM, and to maintain output voltageV_(out) or output current I_(out) as substantially constant.

The CVCC controller of FIG. 3 can include current controller 301,voltage controller 302, selector 303, pulse-width modulation (PWM)controller 304, voltage feedback circuit 305, current feedback circuit306, and timer 307. Voltage feedback circuit 305 and current feedbackcircuit 306 can be used to obtain output voltage feedback signal V_(FB)and output current feedback signal I_(FB), respectively. As compared tothe primary controlled scheme shown in FIG. 2, this example of FIG. 3can follow the variation of output voltage V_(out) and output currentI_(out) more precisely. Example operation and other aspects of voltagefeedback circuit 305 and current feedback circuit 306 will be discussedin more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 3, current controller 301 can be used to compare outputcurrent feedback signal I_(FB) against reference current I_(ref) togenerate error signal V_(err). Voltage controller 302 can be used tocompare output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) against reference voltageV_(ref) to generate control signal V_(ctrl). Selector 303 can be coupledto current controller 301 and voltage controller 302 to receive errorsignal V_(err) and control signal V_(ctrl), and to control the flybackconverter operating in a first operation mode or a second operationmode.

When control signal V_(ctrl) is a pulse signal with a fixed duty cycle,selector 303 can be used to control the flyback converter operating inthe first operation mode (e.g., constant voltage mode), and to generatea constant voltage control signal to PWM controller 304 based on errorsignal V_(err). Also, PWM controller 304 can be used to generate a PWMcontrol signal to control the switching duty cycle of main switch QM.Therefore, output voltage V_(out) of the flyback converter can bemaintained as substantially constant.

When control signal V_(ctrl) remains high, selector 303 can be used tocontrol the flyback converter operating in the second operation mode(e.g., constant current mode), and to generate a constant currentcontrol signal to PWM controller 304 based on error signal V_(err).Also, PWM controller 304 can be used to generate a PWM control signal tocontrol the switching duty cycle of main switch QM. Therefore, outputcurrent I_(out) of the flyback converter can be maintained assubstantially constant.

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a schematic diagram of a secondexample CVCC controller in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. Current controller 301 can include transconductance amplifier401, where the non-inverting terminal of transconductance amplifier 401can be used to receive reference current I_(ref), the inverting terminalcan be used to receive output current feedback signal I_(FB), and theoutput terminal can be used to produce error signal V_(err). Voltagecontroller 302 can include comparator 402 and logic controller 403,where the non-inverting terminal of comparator 402 can be used toreceive reference voltage V_(ref), the inverting terminal can be used toreceive output voltage feedback signal V_(FB), and the output terminalcan be used to produce middle signal V_(sig-1). Logic controller 403 caninclude a D flip-flop, where the D terminal can be coupled to comparator402 to receive middle signal V_(sig-1), and the CLK terminal can be usedto receive the PWM control signal. For example, at each rising edge ofthe PWM control signal, control signal V_(ctrl) can be generated at Qterminal based on middle signal V_(sig-1).

Selector 303 can include switch Q1, switch Q2, discharging circuit 404,and capacitor C1. A first terminal of switch Q1 can be coupled tocurrent controller 301 to receive error signal V_(err), a secondterminal can be coupled to the first terminal of switch Q2, and acontrol terminal can be used to receive control signal V_(ctrl). Thecontrol terminal of switch Q2 can be coupled to voltage controller 302to receive control signal V_(ctrl), and a second terminal of switch Q2can be coupled to discharging circuit 404. One terminal of capacitor C1can be coupled to common junction A of switch Q1 and switch Q2, and theother terminal of capacitor C1 can be coupled to the ground. Also, thecross voltage of capacitor C1 can be constant voltage/constant currentcontrol signal V_(comp). For example, the discharging time ofdischarging circuit 404 can be constant or flexible, thus dischargingcircuit 404 can include a constant resistor or a variable resistor.Also, discharging circuit 404 can include a constant current source or avariable current source.

In one example operation process, when control signal V_(ctrl) is apulse signal with fixed duty cycle, the load of the flyback convertermay be in a “normal” state or a light-load state. Under this condition,if output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) is greater than referencevoltage V_(ref), middle signal V_(sig-1) generated by comparator 402 canbe low to cause control signal V_(ctrl) to also below. However, ifoutput voltage feedback signal V_(FB) is less than reference voltageV_(ref), middle signal V_(sig-1) generated by comparator 402 can gohigh, and control signal V_(ctrl) can be generated based on the PWMcontrol signal. In this example, control signal V_(ctrl) may go high ateach rising edge of the PWM control signal. Thus, when control signalV_(ctrl) is a pulse signal with fixed duty cycle, selector 303 can beused to control the flyback converter operating in the first operationmode (e.g., constant voltage mode).

In an example constant voltage control process, when output voltagefeedback signal V_(FB) is greater than reference voltage V_(ref),control signal V_(ctrl) can be low, switch Q1 can be off, while switchQ2 can be on. Also, capacitor C1 can be discharged through dischargingcircuit 404, so constant voltage control signal V_(comp) _(—) _(v) canbe reduced to lower the duty cycle of the PWM control signal. As aresult, output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) can be reduced. However,when output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) is less than referencevoltage V_(ref), control signal V_(ctrl) can go high, switch Q1 can beturned on, and switch Q2 can be turned off. Also, capacitor C1 can becharged based on output current feedback signal I_(FB), and as a resultconstant voltage control signal V_(comp) _(—) _(v) can be increased toincrease the duty cycle of the PWM control signal. Thus, output voltagefeedback signal V_(FB) can correspondingly be increased. By repeatingsuch processes, output voltage V_(out) can be maintained assubstantially constant.

When control signal V_(ctrl) is in high level, the load of the flybackconverter may be in an “abnormal” state (e.g., heavy-load state). Underthis condition, output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) can be maintainedas less than reference voltage V_(ref). Thus, middle signal V_(sig-1)can remain high, and control signal V_(ctrl) can also be in a highstate. As a result, switch Q1 can remain off while switch Q2 can remainon. Selector 303 can be used to control the flyback converter operatingin the second operation mode (e.g., constant current mode). In oneexample constant current control process, when output current I_(out) ischanging, output current feedback signal I_(FB) may also be changed. Aserror signal V_(err) can be increased or reduced, the charging currentfor capacitor C1 can also be increased or reduced to change constantcurrent control signal V_(comp) _(—) _(I). In this way, the duty cycleof the PWM control signal can be regulated to maintain output currentI_(out) as substantially constant.

Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a schematic diagram of a third exampleCVCC controller in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.In this example, output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) can be used tocontrol the discharging current through voltage controlled currentsource (VCCS) 504. Also, discharging circuit 404 can include currentmirror 505.

VCCS 504 can include comparator 506, capacitor C3, resistor R2, andswitch Q7. The non-inverting terminal of comparator 506 can be used toreceive signal K(V_(FB)-V_(ref)), where signal K(V_(FB)-V_(ref)) is inproportion to the difference between output voltage feedback signalV_(FB) and reference voltage V_(ref), and K is a proportionalitycoefficient. The output terminal of comparator 506 can be coupled to thecontrol terminal of switch Q7. The second terminal of switch Q7 can becoupled to resistor R2. Also, a common junction of switch Q7 andresistor R2 can be coupled to the inverting terminal of comparator 506.One terminal of third capacitor C3 can be coupled to a common junctionof comparator 506 and switch Q7, and the other terminal can be coupledto the ground.

Current I′ generated at a first terminal of switch Q7 can equal to

$\frac{k\left( {V_{FB} - V_{ref}} \right)}{R_{2}},$and can first be amplified by n times through a first current mirror incurrent mirror 505, and then be amplified by m times through a secondcurrent mirror in current mirror 505. Thus, current I that is output bycurrent mirror 505 can equal to η(V_(FB)-V_(ref)), and can be used asthe discharge current for capacitor C1, where

$\eta = {\frac{k \cdot n \cdot m}{R_{2}}.}$From the example in FIG. 5, the discharging circuit can be a variablecurrent source, and discharging current I can be produced in proportionto the difference between output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) andreference voltage V_(ref). In this way, the discharging time ofcapacitor C1 can be changed, and as a result the transient responsespeed of the CVCC controller can be improved.

Also, from the examples shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, it can be deducedthat the CVCC controller can set the flyback converter operating indifferent operation modes through selector 303 to achieve constantvoltage control or constant current control. During the constant voltageor constant current control process, only one compensating capacitor maybe needed, so the circuit structure can be simplified as compared toconventional approaches. Further, current controller 301, voltagecontroller 302, selector 303, and discharging circuit 404 can beconfigured by any other suitable circuits with the same or a similarfunction, and switches of the CVCC controller can be MOSFET transistors,or any other appropriate switch implementations.

During operation of the flyback converter, when main switch QM is turnedoff, secondary winding N_(s) may start to discharge. At the same time,the cross voltage on auxiliary winding N_(T) may decrease gradually, sothe sampling voltage signal may also decrease gradually. When secondarywinding N_(s) has been fully discharged, sampling voltage signal V_(s)may drop suddenly to result in a relatively large error. Thus, it may benecessary to regulate secondary sampling voltage signal V_(s) andcurrent signal I_(s) through voltage feedback circuit 305, and currentfeedback circuit 306, to obtain more precise output voltage feedbacksignal V_(F) and output current feedback signal I_(F). Along theselines, specific examples of voltage feedback circuit 305 and currentfeedback circuit 306 will be described in conjunction with the examplesshown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, shown is a schematic diagram of an examplevoltage feedback circuit of the CVCC controller in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Voltage feedback circuit 305 caninclude blanking circuit 601, switch Q3, switch Q4, resistor R1, andcapacitor C2. Blanking circuit 601 can be controlled by the PWM controlsignal, and at each falling edge of the PWM control signal, blankingsignal T_(b) can be generated to control switch Q3. One terminal ofresistor R1 can be used to receive secondary output voltage signalV_(s), and the other terminal can be coupled to switch Q4. Switch Q3 canbe parallel coupled to resistor R1. One terminal of capacitor C2 can becoupled to switch Q4, and the other terminal can be coupled to theground. Also, switch Q4 can be controlled by timing signal T_(dis). Inaddition, the common junction of switch Q4 and capacitor C2 can beconfigured as the output terminal of voltage feedback circuit 305 togenerate output voltage feedback signal V_(FB).

Referring now to FIG. 6B, shown is a waveform diagram of the voltagefeedback circuit shown in FIG. 6A. At each falling edge of the PWMcontrol signal, the secondary winding of the flyback converter may beginto discharge. At the same time, blanking signal T_(b) generated byblanking circuit 601 can go high, so switch Q3 can be turned on. Also,timing signal T_(dis) can be high to turn on switch Q4. Therefore,output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) can be changed along with thevariation of secondary output voltage signal V_(s). Blanking signalT_(b) can be used to ensure that switch Q3 has enough conduction time soas to precisely sample secondary output voltage signal V_(s) and toreduce the perturbation caused during the discharging of secondarywinding N_(s) as much as possible. For example, blanking signal T_(b)can last for a time from about 1 μs to about 2 μs.

As the discharging time increases, secondary output voltage signal V_(s)can be gradually reduced. At the instant when secondary winding N_(s) ofthe Flyback converter is fully discharged, secondary output voltagesignal V_(s) may drop suddenly. Because blanking signal T_(b) mayalready be low, switch Q3 can be turned off. However, because of thedelay circuit formed by resistor R1 and capacitor C2, output voltagefeedback signal V_(FB) may not rapidly discharge. At the same time,timing signal T_(dis) may go low to turn off switch Q4. Thus, outputvoltage feedback signal V_(FB) can be equal to the cross voltage ofcapacitor C2 and can maintained as substantially constant.

As can be seen from the example shown in FIG. 6A, voltage feedbackcircuit 305 can be used to regulate output voltage feedback signalV_(FB). During the charging time of primary winding N_(p), the crossvoltage on auxiliary winding N_(T) may be zero, and output voltagefeedback signal V_(FB) can be maintained as substantially stable toprecisely reflect the variation of the output voltage.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, shown is a schematic diagram of an examplecurrent feedback circuit of the CVCC controller in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Current feedback circuit 306 caninclude sample and hold circuit 701, buffer circuit 702. Also, a choppercircuit can include switches Q5 and Q6, and RC filter circuit 703.Sampling current signal I_(s) representing the primary current of theflyback converter can be converted to peak amplifier signal V_(IP)through sample and hold circuit 701 and buffer circuit 702. The choppercircuit including switches Q5 and Q6 can be used to receive peakamplifier signal V_(IP), and to generate chopping signal V_(Z) at thecommon junction of switches Q5 and Q6. Switch Q5 can be controlled bytiming signal T_(dis), while switch Q6 can be controlled by the invertedsignal of timing signal T_(dis). Filter circuit 703 can be used toreceive chopping signal V_(Z), and to generate output current feedbacksignal I_(FB).

Referring now to FIG. 7B, shown is a waveform diagram of the currentfeedback circuit shown in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG. 7B, sampling currentsignal I_(s) may start increasing at each rising edge of the PWM controlsignal, and may drop suddenly when the PWM control signal goes low.Sample and hold circuit 701 can be used to receive sampling currentsignal I_(s), and to hold the peak value of sampling current signalI_(s). Buffer circuit 702 can be used to buffer and amplifier the peakvalue to generate peak amplifier signal V_(IP), where the buffermagnification (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) of buffer circuit 702 can be setaccording various application requirements.

The chopper circuit including switches Q5 and Q6 can be used to receivepeak amplifier signal V_(IP), where switch Q5 and switch Q6 can becontrolled based on timing signal T_(dis). With reference to thewaveform of timing signal T_(dis) in FIG. 7B, the waveform of choppingsignal V_(z) can be obtained, and a relatively smooth output currentfeedback signal I_(FB) can be produced by filtering chopping signalV_(z) through RC filter circuit 703.

Referring now to FIG. 8, shown is a schematic diagram of an exampletimer of the CVCC controller in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. The timer can be used to measure the discharging timeof secondary winding N_(s) of the flyback converter, and to generate atiming signal T_(dis). In this example, timer 307 can include comparator801, AND-gate 802, and logic controller 803.

Comparator 801 can be used to receive output voltage feedback signalV_(FB) at its non-inverting input terminal, and secondary output voltagesignal V_(s) representing the secondary output voltage of the flybackconverter at its inverting input terminal, and to generate middle signalV_(sig-2) at its output terminal. Offset voltage V_(os) (e.g., about 100mV) at the inverting terminal of comparator 801 can be set according tovarious application requirements. AND-gate 802 can be used to receivemiddle signal V_(sig-2) and an inverted version of blanking signal T_(b)to generate middle signal V_(sig-3).

Logic controller 803 can be used to receive middle signal V_(sig-3) andthe PWM control signal. When middle signal V_(sig-3) is activated,timing signal T_(dis) output by logic controller 803 may be low. Whenmiddle signal V_(sig-3) is inactive, timing signal T_(dis) output bylogic controller 803 may go high at each falling edge of the PWM controlsignal. In this example, logic controller 803 can include a D flip-flopor a set-reset type of flip-flop, where the D terminal of the Dflip-flop can be used to receive voltage source V_(DD), the R terminalcan be used to receive middle signal V_(sig-3), an inverted version ofthe PWM control signal can be input to the CLK terminal as a clocksignal, and timing signal T_(dis) can be generated at the outputterminal of the D flip-flop.

For example, at the initial discharging time of secondary winding N_(s),(e.g., at each falling edge of the PWM control signal), the differencebetween output voltage feedback signal V_(FB) and secondary outputvoltage signal V_(s) can be less than offset voltage V_(os) ofcomparator 801. Thus, middle signal V_(sig-2) output by comparator 801may go low and be input to AND-gate 802. Middle signal V_(sig-3) outputby AND-gate 802 can also be low, and timing signal T_(dis) generated bythe D flip-flop may go high. When secondary winding N_(s) of the flybackconverter is fully discharged, the difference between output voltagefeedback signal V_(FB) and secondary output voltage signal V_(s) may belarger than offset voltage V_(os) of comparator 801. Middle signalV_(sig-2) output by comparator 801 may go high, and an inverted versionof blanking signal T_(b) may be high. Thus, middle signal V_(sig-3)output by AND-gate 802 may be high, and timing signal T_(dis) may go lowdue to the D flip-flop.

From the above-described operation process, timing signal T_(dis) canremain active during the discharging time of secondary winding N_(s) offlyback converter, and can remain inactive when secondary winding N_(s)is fully discharged. Thus, timing signal T_(dis) can be used to controlswitch Q4 of voltage feedback circuit 305 and switches Q5 and Q6 ofcurrent feedback circuit 306. As one skilled in the art will recognize,timer 307 can be implemented by any other circuit with a same or similarfunction.

Referring now to FIG. 9, shown is a flow diagram of an example CVCCcontrol method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.This example CVCC method can be used in a flyback converter, and maygenerate a constant voltage or a constant current control signal basedon an output voltage feedback signal and an output current feedbacksignal of the flyback converter. For example, the constant voltage orthe constant current control signal can be used to control the switchingduty cycle of the main switch in flyback converter to maintain theoutput voltage or output current of the flyback converter assubstantially constant.

The example CVCC control method can include, at 901, generating an errorsignal by calculating a difference between an output current feedbacksignal and a reference current. At 902, a control signal can begenerated by comparing an output voltage feedback signal against areference voltage. At 903, the flyback converter can be controlled tooperate in a first operation mode or in a second operation mode based onthe control signal.

When the flyback converter is operating in the first operation mode at904, a constant voltage control signal can be generated based on theerror signal, and a PWM control signal can be generated based on theconstant voltage control signal to control a switching duty cycle of amain switch. Therefore, the output voltage of the flyback converter canbe maintained as substantially constant. When the flyback converter isoperating in the second operation mode at 905, a constant currentcontrol signal can be generated based on the error signal, and a PWMcontrol signal can be generated based on the constant current controlsignal to control the switching duty cycle of a main switch. Therefore,the output current of the flyback converter can be maintained assubstantially constant.

In this example method, step 902 can also include generating a firstmiddle signal can be by comparing an output voltage feedback signalagainst a reference voltage. Also, a PWM control signal can be taken asa clock signal, and at each rising edge of the PWM control signal, thecontrol signal can be generated based on the first middle signal.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A constant voltage constant current (CVCC)controller configured for a flyback converter, said CVCC controllercomprising: a) a current controller configured to generate an errorsignal by calculating a difference between an output current feedbacksignal from a current feedback circuit and a reference current; b) avoltage controller configured to receive an output voltage feedbacksignal from a voltage feedback circuit and a reference voltage, and togenerate a control signal; c) a selector comprising a first switchconfigured to receive said error signal and being controllable by saidcontrol signal, said selector being configured to control said flybackconverter to operate in a first operation mode or a second operationmode based on said control signal, wherein said selector comprises asecond switch coupled to said first switch and being controllable by aninverted version of said control signal, wherein said selector isconfigured to generate a constant voltage control signal based on saiderror signal when said flyback converter is operating in said firstoperation mode, and to generate a constant current control signal basedon said error signal when said flyback converter is operating in saidsecond operation mode, wherein said selector comprises a dischargingcircuit coupled between said second switch and ground, and a firstcapacitor coupled to said first and second switches and ground, whereina cross voltage on said first capacitor is configured as said constantvoltage control signal or said constant current control signal; d) apulse-width modulation (PWM) controller configured to generate a PWMcontrol signal to control a main switch of said flyback converter,wherein said PWM controller is configured to generate a constant voltagesignal based on said constant voltage control signal to maintain anoutput voltage of said flyback converter as substantially constant whensaid flyback converter operates in said first operation mode, andwherein said PWM controller is configured to generate a constant currentsignal based on said constant current control signal to maintain anoutput current of said flyback converter as substantially constant whensaid flyback converter operates in said second operation mode; and e) atimer configured to measure a discharging time of a secondary winding ofsaid flyback converter, and to generate a timing signal therefrom. 2.The CVCC controller of claim 1, wherein said current controllercomprises a transconductance amplifier configured to receive saidreference current and said output current feedback signal, and togenerate said error signal.
 3. The CVCC controller of claim 1, whereinsaid voltage controller comprises: a) a comparator configured to receivesaid reference voltage and said output voltage feedback signal, and togenerate a middle signal; and b) a logic controller configured togenerate said control signal at each rising edge of said PWM controlsignal based on said middle signal, wherein said PWM control signal isconfigured as a clock signal.
 4. The CVCC controller of claim 1, whereinsaid discharging circuit comprises at least one of: a constant resistor,a variable resistor, a constant current source, and a variable currentsource.
 5. The CVCC controller of claim 1, wherein a discharge currentof said discharging circuit is controllable based on said output voltagefeedback signal.
 6. The CVCC controller of claim 1, wherein said voltagefeedback circuit comprises: a) a blanking circuit controllable by saidPWM control signal, wherein a blanking signal is generated by saidblanking circuit at each falling edge of said PWM control signal; b) athird switch controllable by said blanking signal; c) a resistor coupledin parallel to said third switch and configured to receive a signalrepresenting a secondary output voltage of said flyback converter; d) afourth switch coupled to said resistor and controllable by a timingsignal; and e) a second capacitor coupled to said fourth switch andground, wherein a common node of said fourth switch and said secondcapacitor is configured to generate said output voltage feedback signal.7. The CVCC controller of claim 1, wherein said current feedback circuitcomprises: a) a sample and hold circuit configured to receive a signalrepresenting a primary output current of said flyback converter; b) abuffer circuit coupled to said sample and hold circuit, wherein saidbuffer circuit is configured to generate a peak amplifier signal; c) achopper circuit having third and fourth switches, wherein said choppercircuit is configured to receive said peak amplifier signal, and togenerate a chopping signal at a common node of said third and fourthswitches, wherein said third switch is controllable by a timing signal,and said fourth switch is controllable by an inverted version of saidtiming signal; and d) a filter circuit configured to receive saidchopping signal, and to generate said output current feedback signal. 8.The CVCC controller of claim 1, wherein said flyback converter isconfigured to operate in said first operation mode in response to saidcontrol signal being a pulse signal with a fixed duty cycle.
 9. The CVCCcontroller of claim 8, wherein said flyback converter is in a normallight-load state.
 10. The CVCC controller of claim 1, wherein saidflyback converter is configured to operate in said second operation modein response to said control signal being a fixed high signal.
 11. TheCVCC controller of claim 10, wherein said flyback converter is in anabnormal heavy-load state.
 12. A constant voltage constant current(CVCC) control method for a flyback converter, the method comprising: a)calculating a difference between an output current feedback signal froma current feedback circuit and a reference current to generate an errorsignal; b) comparing an output voltage feedback signal from a voltagefeedback circuit and a reference voltage to generate a control signal;c) controlling said flyback converter to operate in a first operationmode or a second operation mode based on said control signal; d)generating, by a selector, a constant voltage control signal based onsaid error signal, and generating a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controlsignal based on said constant voltage control signal to control aswitching duty cycle of a main switch of said flyback converter, andmaintaining an output voltage of said flyback converter as substantiallyconstant when said flyback converter is operating in said firstoperation mode; e) generating, by said selector, a constant currentcontrol signal based on said error signal, and generating a PWM controlsignal based on said constant current control signal to control saidswitching duty cycle of said main switch, and maintaining an outputcurrent of said flyback converter as substantially constant when saidflyback converter is operating in said second operation mode, whereinsaid selector comprises a first switch receiving said error signal andbeing controllable by said control signal, and a second switch coupledto said first switch and being controllable by an inverted version ofsaid control signal, wherein said selector comprises a dischargingcircuit coupled between said second switch and ground, and a firstcapacitor coupled to said first and second switches and ground, andwherein a cross voltage on said first capacitor is configured as saidconstant voltage control signal or said constant current control signal;and f) generating a timing signal by a timer that measures a dischargingtime of a secondary winding of said flyback converter.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: a) generating a middle signal by comparingsaid output voltage feedback signal against a reference voltage; and b)generating said control signal based on said middle signal at eachrising edge of said PWM control signal, wherein said PWM control signalis configured as a clock signal.
 14. The method of claim 12, whereinsaid output voltage feedback signal is generated by sampling and holdinga signal representing a secondary output voltage of said flybackconverter.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said output currentfeedback signal is further generated by amplifying, chopping, andfiltering said signal representing said secondary output current of saidflyback converter.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein said controllingsaid flyback converter to operate in said first or second operation modebased on said control signal comprises controlling said flybackconverter operate in said first operation mode in response to saidcontrol signal being a pulse signal with a fixed duty cycle.
 17. Themethod of claim 12, wherein said controlling said flyback converter tooperate in said first or second operation mode based on said controlsignal comprises controlling said flyback converter operate in saidsecond operation mode in response to said control signal being a fixedhigh signal.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein: a) said flybackconverter is in a normal light-load state for said first operation mode;and b) said flyback converter is in an abnormal heavy-load state forsaid second operation mode.